How to clean your Outwell air tent and air bed valves
Is your air tent or air bed slowly losing air? Before you start looking for a puncture, check the valve. Sand, dust or a single hair can stop the valve from sealing properly, and the leak can feel just like a puncture. The good news is that it's usually easy to fix with nothing more than a damp cloth.
How inflatable valves work
Air tents, air awnings and inflatable shelters rely on airtight valves to keep the air beams at the right pressure. If your tent is losing air but there's no visible damage to the fabric or air beam, check the valve first.
Signs that your tent valve needs cleaning
- An air beam gradually softens after inflation
- Your tent loses air, but you can't find a puncture
- You can hear or feel air escaping around the valve
- The valve doesn't seal properly when you remove the pump hose
- The problem started after camping on sandy, dusty or muddy ground
How to clean an air tent valve: step by step
Important: Always deflate the air beam fully before opening the valve. Never unscrew a valve while the beam is under pressure.
- Deflate the air beam completely.
- Unscrew the valve carefully. On many models, the valve is attached with a small plastic strap so it doesn't get lost.
- Find the non-return flap on the underside of the valve.
- Gently fold the flap back without stretching or bending it.
- Wipe the flap and the valve seat with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt, sand and grit.
- Avoid sharp tools, oils, lubricants and strong cleaning products. They can damage the flap and the seal.
- Screw the valve back in and make sure it's seated correctly and fully tightened.
- Inflate the air beam to the pressure stated in your tent's instructions and check that it holds air.
Is the valve damaged? If the flap is torn or deformed, or the valve is cracked, cleaning won't help. Please contact our customer service.
Is it a leak, or just the temperature?
The pressure in an air beam changes with the temperature. On a cold night the air contracts and the beams feel softer. In strong sun the pressure rises. A small change is therefore normal and doesn't mean the valve is faulty. Check the pressure in the morning and top up if needed.
How to keep dirt out of your tent valves
- Always screw the protective cap back on after inflating. It keeps dirt out and gives extra protection if the flap doesn't seal perfectly.
- Make sure the end of the pump hose is clean before you connect it.
- Keep valves away from sand, mud and loose soil when you pitch the tent.
- Clean the valves before packing the tent away, especially after a trip to the beach or dusty ground.
Valves for air mattresses
Valves on air mattresses, inflatable sleeping mats and other inflatable bedding can also lose air because of dirt in the valve. If your mattress feels softer by morning, it does not automatically mean that it has a puncture.
Why is my air mattress losing air?
An air mattress may lose air for several reasons, including:
- Dirt, hair or grit preventing the non-return flap from sealing
- A valve cap that has not been fully closed
- Dust or sand entering the valve via the pump nozzle
- Changes in temperature causing the air inside to contract
- A genuine puncture or leak in a seam
Before searching for a puncture, it is always worth checking and cleaning the valve.
How to clean an air mattress valve
- Deflate the mattress completely.
- Open or unscrew the valve, depending on the valve design. Some valves can be removed fully, while others can only be opened partially.
- Locate the flexible non-return flap behind the valve opening.
- Carefully fold the flap back.
- Clean the flap and the valve seat using a soft, damp cloth.
- Remove visible dust, sand, grit or hair without using sharp objects.
- Allow the valve to dry if moisture has entered it.
- Reassemble the valve, inflate the mattress and check that it holds air.
How to check whether an air mattress is airtight
Once inflated, close the valve cap securely and leave the mattress for several hours or overnight.
Bear in mind that a drop in temperature can reduce the air pressure inside the mattress. This is particularly common when camping, as temperatures often fall overnight. A small reduction in firmness is therefore not always a sign of a faulty valve or puncture.
If the mattress becomes noticeably flat after the valve has been cleaned and closed correctly, inspect it for a puncture or damaged seam.
Air mattress valve maintenance tips
- Always replace the valve cap after inflation.
- Keep the pump, hose and valve free from sand, dust and moisture.
- Avoid standing on, pulling or putting unnecessary pressure on the valve.
- Store your air mattress clean and dry.
- Check the valve before each trip, particularly after long-term storage.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my inflatable tent slowly losing air?
The most common cause is dirt in the valve. Sand, dust or grit can prevent the non-return flap from sealing properly. Clean the valve, reinflate the air beam and check whether it holds pressure.
Is a leaking valve the same as a puncture?
No. A leaking valve can produce similar symptoms to a puncture, but the problem is with the valve seal rather than a hole in the inflatable material. Check the valve first before attempting a puncture repair.
Can I use soap or lubricant to clean an inflatable valve?
It is best not to use soap, oils, lubricants or harsh chemicals inside the valve. A clean, damp cloth is usually all that is needed to remove dirt and grit.
Why is the valve cap important?
The valve cap protects the valve from dirt and debris. It also provides an additional barrier against air loss if the internal non-return flap does not seal completely.